Vegetable Fried Rice with Bacon

Using meat as a garnish rather than making it the star of your meal is an easy way to save money on your grocery bill. In this homemade version of a takeout classic, a little bit of bacon goes a long way.

Grilled Flank Steak with Ginger Marinade

Grilled flank steak is a great option when it comes to satisfying a dinner party on a budget. Although flank is a more inexpensive cut, the meat is lean and tender. Like skirt steak, it works well with a marinade.

Beef and Bechamel Lasagna

Melissa's comforting lasagna relies on pantry staples and everyday spices, so there's no need to visit any specialty stores. Given the dish's generous portion size, you can even save on lunch the next day by enjoying leftovers.

Minestrone Soup

Eating soup is a great way to eat more vegetables on a budget. In one steaming bowl of Ellie Krieger's minestrone, you'll get five kinds of vegetables, plus protein-packed kidney beans — without breaking the bank.